Saginaw River/Bay Area of Concern Public Advisory Council Liaison

Job Title:

Full or Part Time:

Hours:

Exempt:

Supervisory Org:

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY: The Saginaw River / Bay Area of Concern (AOC) Public Advisory Council (PAC) (referred to after this as the Saginaw R/B AOC PAC) provides an open and respectful community forum to discuss and collaborate about challenges faced by the Saginaw River / Bay Watershed . We are seeking a candidate to provide staff support for the PAC to work with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and local, state and federal partners to assess, monitor, and support the removal of the AOC’s nine (9) Beneficial Use Impairments (BUI). This position is grant-funded through September 30, 2025, with the opportunity for extension pending future grant funding availability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize Saginaw R/B AOC PAC public meetings and sub-committee meetings to involve and inform AOC stakeholders, receive public input, and advance restoration efforts of the Saginaw Bay and River.

• Maintain an updated list of relevant, new, and ongoing projects within the Saginaw River & Bay AOC, ensure participation of interested residents, agencies, and community organizations in AOC delisting, cleanup, restoration, and stewardship activities.

• Work under the direction of the PAC Chair and PAC Vice-Chair to coordinate public outreach materials and events, and work with the EGLE AOC Coordinator and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Task Force Lead to update PAC members and partners about AOC management action plans and timelines.

• Maintain a key relationship with Saginaw Valley State University’s Saginaw Bay Environmental Science Institute who acts as the fiduciary (grant finance manager) for the PAC.

• Manage travel requirements throughout Saginaw Bay / River AOC including the option of a travel reimbursement or a state car.

• Collaborate and draft outreach strategies, website, and documents.

• Record the minutes of all PAC meetings.

• Maintain PAC records.

• Aid in preparation and submittal of quarterly grant reports and cost estimates.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the PAC Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Director of Saginaw Bay Environmental Science Institute.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Possess valid State of Michigan Driver’s License with the ability to travel by car

• Ability to navigate a vast array of input, keep meetings on task and time, and disseminate information for next steps

• Comfortable with public outreach and networking

• Ability to work independently

• General communication skills including electronic communications (e.g., email) and hosting remote meetings (e.g., Microsoft Teams)

• Familiarity with website design/maintenance

• Basic knowledge of water quality and ecological health issues

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.

• Experience and ability to positively interact with a diverse campus community.

• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in environmental science/studies/policy or related scientific field, or equivalent job experience

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions; however, automobile travel is required which includes exposure to varying weather conditions.

• Some weeknights and weekends, including intermittent travel, will be required.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For eight consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2023).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.

More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2023). SVSU fields 19 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website , http://www.svsu.edu .